Collini begins by saying that he is angry that Dupont did not get the post he wanted (which was instead given to Jean-Joseph Barth on 3 January 1755), especially after Voltaire wrote in favour of him. He adds that, in this instance, bad prose won over verse, quoting the only two lines of an epistle by Voltaire to d’Argenson to survive: ‘Rendez, rendez heureux l’avocat qui m’engage / Donnez-lui les grandeurs d’un Prévôt de village’.

Comprises notes on salient events in mainly English history from Ethelred to Queen Anne, extracted from a translation of Voltaire’s writings, with notes on China and Charlemagne’s time on f.1, followed on ff.16-17 by similar notes extracted from David Hume’s writings on some selected events from Richard III’s days to those of James II.

Voltaire writes that he replied to M. de Salies at his address. He remarks that he has no doubt that Thieriot is familiar with the eulogy of Moukden in a verse by the King of China and that he will see in the answer the praise of France. He adds that it is the time to give Ninon and Gourville. He concludes by telling Thieriot that if he knows anyone who wants beautiful but inexpensive watches, he should contact the Ferney factory where Voltaire has welcomed the best artisans of Geneva, totalling thirty families.

Daily routine. Attended Pardo, dined at Morino’s. Torrejon’s sale, found Waddilove, made him buy a pretty cup and cover with saucer for a peso duro. Dresden China. Spinelli’s sale, also looked in on. El Gobierno have prohibited the exhibition of Voltaire and Rousseau’s figures at the wax work.